Freestanding bathtubs have become the centerpiece of modern bathrooms. They add luxury, comfort, and a timeless style. Whether you want a spa-like space or a cozy retreat, there are endless freestanding bathtub ideas for every home and budget.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 styles that work for different spaces from large master baths to compact apartments. You’ll also find tips on choosing materials, placement, and design touches to make your tub the highlight of your bathroom.
Table of Contents
1. Deep Soaking Tub

A deep soaking tub is a freestanding bathtub with a deeper basin than traditional tubs. This design allows the bather to be fully submerged in water. This makes it perfect for a truly relaxing soak.
This style is a top idea for 2025 because it fits the health and wellness trend. A deep soak can reduce stress and relax muscles. It brings a luxurious, spa-like feeling to your own home. When looking for a deep soaking tub, check for ergonomic designs and a comfortable backrest. These features enhance your bathing experience. This type of tub is best for people who want to prioritize relaxation and comfort. You can link this idea to other bathroom ideas with freestanding tub designs.
2. Vintage Clawfoot Tub

The vintage clawfoot tub is an iconic freestanding bathtub style. It is known for its four feet, often shaped like a lion’s paw. This style has a classic, elegant silhouette.
The clawfoot tub is a top idea for 2025 because it perfectly mixes classic and modern design. It adds character and a sense of history to any bathroom. You can find these tubs in materials like cast iron and acrylic. Blending a vintage tub with modern decor creates a unique look. The charm of a clawfoot tub makes it a great focal point for any master bathroom with a stand alone tub.
3. Midcentury Modern Tub

A midcentury modern freestanding tub features a sleek, minimalist design. It has clean lines and smooth curves. This style often has a single, uninterrupted form.
This tub is popular because of the rising interest in minimalist design. Its clean look creates a feeling of space and calm. You can find this style in colors like white, matte black, or even stone. A midcentury modern tub is a great choice for modern bathtub ideas. It fits well with simple decor and a clean color palette.
4. Combination Tub and Shower

A combination tub and shower is a practical freestanding unit. It has a tub and a shower system in one piece. This design offers the best of both worlds in a single fixture.
This is a smart idea for 2025 due to its practicality. It is a great solution for those who want both a shower and a tub but have limited space. It is perfect for small bathroom ideas with a tub. When choosing one, think about the placement and shower curtain options. This type of unit is a great way to have a small freestanding tub with a shower in your home.
5. Sunken Freestanding Tubs

A sunken freestanding tub is a bath that is partially or fully recessed into the floor. It creates a seamless, spa-like, and visually open feel.
This tub is a top choice for 2025 because of its luxury look. It is a true statement piece that offers an immersive bathing experience. The key is in the installation and plumbing. This can be more complex, but the result is a beautiful luxury bathroom design. This is one of the more unique bath tub designs.
6. Small-Space Tub

A small-space freestanding tub is compact. It is often deep and fits comfortably in smaller bathrooms. It does this without giving up on comfort or style.
This idea directly helps people with smaller homes. These tubs are a practical and helpful solution. They come in shapes like oval and round. When shopping, be sure to measure your space. This tub can bring a touch of luxury to even the smallest bathroom small bathtub space. This is a smart choice for small bathroom ideas with tubs that still want style.
7. Copper and Brass Tubs

Copper and brass tubs are handcrafted freestanding bathtubs. They are a stunning focal point. These tubs are known for their unique look, strength, and how they hold heat.
This is a top idea for 2025 because of the trend of using natural materials. These tubs are high-end and create a bold look. They retain heat well and have natural antimicrobial properties. You can also choose from different finishes. A copper tub can make a bathroom with a freestanding tub feel very special and warm. These are great bathroom bathtub ideas for a unique style.
8. Deep Soaking Japanese-Style Baths

A Japanese-style bath, also known as “ofuro,” is a freestanding soaking tub. It is shorter and deeper than other tubs. It often has a built-in seat for upright soaking.
This style is popular because of the trend of mindfulness in home design. It offers an authentic, restoring bathing ritual. It is a unique experience. This type of tub can be a great way to bring a peaceful feeling into a bathroom with freestanding baths. These are some of the most serene freestanding bathtub bathroom ideas.
9. Minimalist Oval Tubs

A minimalist oval tub is a freestanding bath with a simple, elegant oval shape. It has a clean design and no extra details. It is a perfect example of “less is more.”
This style is great for people who love the look of minimalism. The simple design creates a sense of calm. Its soft curves can make a space feel inviting. A minimalist oval tub is one of the best freestanding tub ideas for a modern, calm space. You can use a wall mount faucet to keep the look clean.
10. Wooden Freestanding Tubs

A wooden freestanding tub is a bath made from natural woods. Teak, cedar, or walnut are common. It offers a rustic yet modern feel and a unique experience.
This idea is popular because people want to use more natural and sustainable materials. The unique feel of a wooden tub adds a lot of character. They are sealed to be waterproof and durable. You can use this tub to create a soaking tub that feels like a natural spa. It is one of the most interesting bathtub ideas out there.
Conclusion
Choosing the right freestanding bathtub is a powerful way to change your bathroom. The ideas above offer something for every style and need. From the relaxing deep soaking tub to a vintage clawfoot tub, each style can make your bathroom a true sanctuary.
If you are thinking about a full bathroom makeover, consider Bathroom Remodeling Services in San Diego. Our team at San Diego Home Remodeling can help you bring these ideas to life. We will make your dream bathroom a reality.
FAQs
Are freestanding baths a good idea?
Yes, freestanding baths are a great idea for many homes. They serve as a stunning focal point. They are often more comfortable for soaking. They also give you more options for where to place the tub in the room. Some disadvantages are the higher cost and more complex plumbing. Also, cleaning around them can be a little harder than with a built-in tub.
What is the best shape for a freestanding bath?
The best shape depends on your space and what you like. An oval shape offers a classic look. A rectangular shape is modern. A round shape is great for a deep soak. For smaller spaces, a compact oval or round tub works best.
What are the disadvantages of freestanding bathtubs?
The disadvantages of freestanding tubs include a higher cost for the tub and installation. They can be harder to clean around. They often lack a place for toiletries, which requires a separate caddy or table. The plumbing can also be more complex.
What to put next to a freestanding tub?
You can place a small side table or stool next to a freestanding tub. This is great for a book or a drink. A bath caddy can hold soap and other items. A floor-standing towel rack or a plant can also add a nice touch. A soaking tub surround ideas can also be used to create a more integrated look.
Are freestanding tubs trendy?
Freestanding tubs are more than just a trend. They are a timeless design choice. They keep growing in popularity. While some styles may come and go, the idea of a freestanding bath as a luxury focal point is a staple in home design. This is why you see so many pictures of freestanding tubs in magazines and online. They have a lasting appeal.